The Workstation Roundup: The IBM IntelliStation M Pro

                Computer workstations are intended for the business professional who requires a good degree of power for their day to day computing operations. Workstations are a class above the casual desktop computers, being more akin with high end performance gaming desktops. Workstations are optimized for business deployments, often being tower forms which are convertible to rack configurations. However, today’s workstations are something which entail a heavy overhead cost which might exceed your current budget by a good deal. If you’re looking for an affordable workstation which doesn’t limit you in your business operations, you might consider an older model of a workstation. The IBM IntelliStation M Pro is one such workstation which, though not the latest model, has retained viability in the workstation class due to a solid configuration and a high degree of expandability. Check it out below.

The IBM IntelliStation M Pro: At a Glance
The IntelliStation M Pro is available in several configurations. For this particular review, we will be focusing on one of the most business-balanced builds available, the Pro 9229 configuration. The M Pro is a good, balanced machine which offers a wide degree of functionality for a low cost compared to current workstation models. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of the IBM IntelliStation 9229 below.

The Good – Performance and Configuration

The IBM IntelliStation 9229 comes stocked with an Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 processor which clocks in at a respectable 2.66 gigahertz. The standard memory configuration comes with only two gigabytes, but the option for a full configuration of eight gigabytes adds only a marginal cost to the system as a whole. Red Hat Linux operating system provides a speedy working environment for business applications, really allowing for the Core 2 Duo to show off its processing power in multiple applications. The NVidia Quadro FX 3500 graphics processor provides ample power for  a workstation computer, especially in graphic/video editing applications.

The Questionable – Drive Time and Capacity

The standard configuration of the IntelliStation M Pro has only one 73 gigabyte hard drive at a spindle speed of 10,000 rpm. This presents two problems, the first of which is a rather limited storage capacity. 73 gigabytes might be sufficient for an entry level business computer, but a workstation would benefit from multiple drives. The spindle speed would be better served by a 15K hard drive, which is supported by the M Pro. Thus, look for higher capacity 15K RPM drives to compliment the M Pro’s otherwise comprehensive build.

Final Thoughts

The IntelliStation M Pro is an overall good choice, provided you take the extra step from the basic configuration. The addition of a solid design and low failure rates for all components (the 39Y7297 power supply and 73 gb SAS drives are among the best in their class) make the IBM IntelliStation an ideal choice for a cost-effective workstation solution.

Business Laptop Showcase

Finding the right business laptop isn’t as simple as walking into the nearest laptop retailer and pointing out the sleekest looking display model on the floor. If that were the case, you’d end up with an eclectic and expensive compliment of laptops in the office which aren’t really optimized for business applications. Instead, finding a good business optimized laptop demands giving proper consideration to a few key factors such as performance, cost efficiency, security, and manageability. While high-performance gaming and technical computers are great, they aren’t ideal for large scale business deployments. If you’re looking for a great business laptop which has proven effective in business applications, you may want to take a look at the Dell Latitude E6400. This model is an excellent example of what a business laptop should be; how it should be built, how it should perform, and how affordable it should be. Check it out below.

Business Optimized Design

Considering the design of a business laptop is one of the best ways to ascertain its viability in the business world. The E6400 exemplifies a great business build. The E6400 features an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor with a clock speed of 2.26 GHz. The standard configuration comes with two gigabytes of DDR2 memory. Additionally, the E6400 has a 160 gigabyte hard drive with a spindle speed of 7,2000 RPMs, guaranteeing reasonably fast data writes and reads. At 5.7 pounds, the E6400 comes in with a nice light weight, great for carrying from meeting to meeting. It’s also got a durable case with sturdy plastic and a solid frame.

Performance

The E6400 has decent performance for the price. The 2.26 GHz processor is more than enough for more business applications. The only issue with performance stems from the limits of the standard two gigabytes of memory. Though in basic applications this doesn’t manifest in any performance issues, when intense multi-tasking processes are engaged the two gigabytes of memory prove insufficient. This is easily fixed with a RAM expansion. The standard installation of Windows Vista Business is also a little irksome. Instead, I’d recommend getting a refurbished unit without an operating system and using the refurbished savings to go with a more recent operating system like Windows 7 (I’m not sold on Windows 8 just yet!).

Manageability

The Dell Latitude E6400 is great as far as manageability. It comes with plenty of features such as a Smart Card reader or a fingerprint reader. If you’re considering the E6400 for business deployments, the security utilities are especially important in restricting data entry to pre-approved employees only. The E6400 has wireless and Bluetooth capabilities, excellent for staying connected both in and outside the office as well as managing external devices for presentations, audio, etc. Though I’d suggest an immediate expansion of the RAM, the E6400 scores well across the board, making it a worthwhile investment for business deployments or personal use. Even if you don’t think the E6400 is for you, consider it a good template for business laptops in general.

Plotter Plans

                The purchase of a plotter is an important investment in the future of your graphics intensive business. While you may be focused on the overhead cost of the investment, there are several other considerations you will want to give to your plotter before it’s delivered to your business. A large format plotter can be a great asset to you and your business, but without proper planning and consideration it can quickly become an impediment to the efficient function of your business. With a little bit of proper planning, you can implement the plotter with a minimal amount of interruption to your regular workflow.

Before the Plotter

Getting a new plotter for your business can be exciting, and while you may feel like showing of the new equipment, your real focus should be implementing the plotter in such a way that it seems the plotter was a permanent installation in the office all along. The best way to do this is to make a few key preparations before you even have the plotter. Proper preparation is essential in a speedy deployment, and the less time you spend figuring out the deployment the more time you’ll have to run the machine through its paces and have fun testing it out!

Deployment

It may seem a simple matter of logistics, but you should plan out a good chunk of space just for your plotter. Oftentimes, this simple consideration escapes people’s attention. You’d be surprised how much space a large-format printer, especially those in the sixty inch range, will take up. It’s not just the physical dimensions you need to plan for. You must also set aside a “working area” around the plotter, providing room for a person to perform maintenance on the plotter, exchange media rolls, and room for the media to print out into. If your office is already cluttered, a plotter will only aggravate the problem. Have space for it ready before it comes in the door!

Media

Know what sort of printing applications you intend to use the plotter for beforehand, and acquire the appropriate paper beforehand. Stock paper, velum, or canvas are common printing material, most of which come in rolls. If you’re going for a quick deployment and operation on the same business day, have everything you need to get to work on hand.

Power Requirements

Many large format plotters suck up a lot of juice, so make sure your deployment area has an even and reliable power source. It’s also a good idea to have a redundant power supply on hand. We purchased a Designjet 5000 refurbished, and chose to get two Q1251-69320 power supplies for the plotter. Having a reliable power supply in addition to reliable current is essential for uninterrupted plotter performance. By allowing for the few preparations outlined above, your plotter will be up and running in a very short time. The faster you get your plotter up and running, the faster you will be able to turn out high quality prints and designs for your business. Best of luck, and as always, be prepared. 

4 Signs You Should Retire Your Server

                Remember your first car? I know I do. It was as just a few years younger than I was (an old Ford truck), and I saved up money cooking and washing dishes for a year to afford it. It was an ugly beast of a truck, too. It was originally painted white, but over the years it had turned an off yellow, which was how I bought it. Both doors were rusting slowly from the bottom up, and to get into the driver’s seat you had to climb in from the passenger’s side. The engine was temperamental and refused to start if temperatures dipped below zero, and even on a good day roared to life with all the vigor of an angry lion. Despite all of its problems, I drove that truck for two years. Finally, inevitably, the truck quit. One bad transmission later, I was forced to purchase a different vehicle.

                Parallels can be found in any sort of investment, be it a television or a server. The more expensive an investment was originally, the less likely we are to give it up. Servers are one of the most expensive and important IT investments a small business can make, which is why so many servers end up working overtime far beyond their expected lifetime. We don’t ever want to give up something we worked so hard to get in the first place, but eventually there’s a time to let it go. Yes, that even applies to your old server, unfortunately. If you’ve been upgrading continuously over the past few years but your server still isn’t up to par with your expectations, it might be time to take the plunge and invest in a new server for your business. Not sure whether it’s that time? Here are four signs it’s time to retire your server.

1. Processor Speed. If your current server only supports a single processor, and if this processor is a dual-core or less, it’s probably time to upgrade to something a little better. Newer servers sport quad-core processors as a minimum, (there are plenty of twelve-core processors out there) and many servers support more than one processor. An outdated processor will drag your server and its applications down.
2. RAM expandability. So you’ve installed all the RAM you can in your server, taking advantage of every port possible. How much RAM do you have now? If your server’s expansion slots allow for a small maximum RAM, say, four gigabytes, it’s time to retire it. Most servers have a minimum RAM in the double digits.
3. End of Support. Normally, a manufacturer will back any of its products with the option of company support for that product. This normally extends for the entire life of the product, and, barring the possibility of a company going out of business, they will continue to support a product even if they no longer manufacture it. If your server’s manufacturer has announced it will stop supporting your server model, it’s because they no longer see it as a viable server in today’s market. They’re probably right.
4. Frequent Power Failures. I had a server which had frequent power failures. I was in the same boat as number three, which meant I couldn’t easily find a replacement power supply. My current Sun server has a great 300-2015 power supply, which hasn’t had problems yet. If you can’t find a replacement power supply, chances are your server is far too dated.

It’s not easy to say goodbye! Stay faithful to your old server or upgrade: the choice is yours. 

Storage Solutions: Magnetic vs Optical

Storage Solutions: Magnetic vs Optical

                The world of computer storage is constantly evolving. I remember, not so long ago, when MP3 players emerged onto the market. They were expensive things that didn’t seem to offer many advantages over CDs. In fact, I was certain that CDs would remain the only viable medium for my music, and that MP3s would fade away like a passing fad. As you know, I was wrong. MP3s are quickly surpassing CDs as the preferred medium for music. This is due, in no small part, to the large degree of advancements made in the storage capacities of the involved technologies.

Optical Vs. Magnetic Storage

                The CD, like DVDs and Blu-ray technology, is a form of optical storage. I remember the average CD held somewhere in the area of sixteen songs when portable MP3 players were just hitting the consumer market. The problem with those original MP3 players was one of capacity – they didn’t hold a lot of music, and were very expensive compared to the purchase of a CD. The advantages of an MP3 player were, of course, the ability to rewrite music and have multiple CDs in one location. As the technology behind the MP3 player continued to evolve, the capacity increase and cost decreased.

Magnetic Storage

                Magnetic storage began to evolve, as all technologies do, at an exponential rate. If you were to look at a visual representation of magnetic hard drive technology, you would notice something very peculiar. The size of magnetic storage devices would decrease, but the capacity of the smaller devices would greatly outpace their predecessors. Smaller drives with much more storage – magnetic storage became a very viable option, which opened up the growth of MP3 music media and other storage types as alternatives to optical media.

Optical Storage

                The development and popularity of magnetic storage did not make optical storage obsolete, however. To the contrary, optical storage has continued to develop, and offers different types of advantages to its magnetic counterpart. CDs are still sold in stores, and DVDs and BluRays are still the accepted standard for video sales. The great part about optical media is its relative resiliency and dependability. Optical media is largely not able to be rewritten. Once a CD has been written, for instance, you can’t “unwrite” it and replace the songs on it with a different playlist.

                For this reason, optical storage is the accepted medium when it comes to the archival of data. When data needs to be kept for a very long time in a permanent and retrievable state, optical storage is relied upon much more frequently. Magnetic drives are subject to a variety of problems with data. Over time, magnetic drives can simply “bleed” their data as magnetic fields leech away the data. Magnetic drives can also be overwritten, meaning a simple human error can irrevocably ruin or lose valuable data. For businesses that need to archive data, like banks or hospitals, optical libraries serve to provide more permanent storage. Optical media is much more resistant to magnetic fields, electrical disturbance, humidity, and temperature. 

What is an Optical Jukebox?

 

              If you go into any bar and restaurant, chances are you can find a jukebox somewhere in the joint. For a few quarters, you can page through the jukebox’s selection and find your favorite song to play over the stereo. Unless you’re in an old-fashioned bar or diner, chances are that song you just selected isn’t playing off an old vinyl. It’s most likely playing off a digital library. But you do remember those old jukeboxes, don’t you? You could page through several different albums, and when you chose the song you preferred, the jukebox would actually load the corresponding vinyl onto the tray, the needle would fall, and the gritty music would play.

Optical Storage

                Optical storage is the standard medium for long-term, archived data storage. So what does that old musical jukebox have to do with optical storage? Well, let’s take a look at how optical storage works and the necessities of using it. Optical storage is a variety of data storage which relies on the “writing” of a disk using an intensely focused laser. Optical storage is most often contrasted with magnetic storage. Magnetic storage is the kind which you most likely have in your computer’s hard drive. Magnetic storage can be rewritten time and time again, old data replaced by new data as much as you need. Optical storage, by the nature of its writing, cannot be rewritten.

                While optical storage does not offer the obvious advantage of being able to rewrite and alter data, there is an advantage for the very same reason which might not be immediately apparent. Magnetic storage is not nearly as dependable as optical because it is not permanent. Magnetically stored data can be altered or deteriorate in quality over a relatively short period of time, while optical media remains dependable even over a time as long as fifty years.

The Jukebox

                Optical storage is handled by writing data onto optical storage media, most commonly an optical disc. These discs often offer ultra dense storage, but even then, a single disc is not enough to hold all the data required of a large business like a bank or hospital. Instead, when data on a specific disc needs to be accessed, the disc must be loaded into a computer drive. As you might imagine, the trouble required in loading discs by hand would be an overwhelming and tedious task.

                The answer to this problem is the optical jukebox. Just like the musical jukebox, an optical jukebox manages the transfer of disks into and out of the computer’s disk drive as the demand arises. An optical jukebox is managed by a computer program which, upon receiving a request for a specific bit of data, locates the corresponding optical media. The jukebox then takes the physical media and inserts it into the computer drive for the data retrieval. After the disk is no longer needed, it is replaced back into storage. Many manufacturers include this technology inside their libraries. A Plasmon jukebox, for instance, functions entirely within a Plasmon optical library. 

How It Works: Optical Media

                If you’re anything like me, you probably have CDs all over your vehicle. Once I filled up my CD sleeve with my favorite music, I found myself taking albums I didn’t care for too much and storing them anywhere I could find space. I know have CDs in my glove box, on the back of the visor, in the center console, and under the driver’s seat. Despite my relatively poor treatment of what I call my “B-Side” CDs, I can still pick one up, pop in it the player, and listen to my music. Despite the often cited problem of a scratched disk, optical media such as a CD is an amazingly resilient form of data storage.

                Optical discs are flat, usually circular data storage devices. Data is stored on optical discs by using an intense laser to “write” data onto the disc. Pits and lands, as they are called, are encoded onto the disc, which can then be read by a laser which measures the reflection from the flat surface. Most optical media consists of a very small disc of metal pressed between two clear plastic discs, thus allowing the laser to read the reflected light through the transparent material.

                Have you ever noticed the rainbow look your optical discs have? That’s because the optical disc works by distorting and reflecting the reader’s laser light, thus communicating all of the data on the disc. Optical media is used to store all varieties of information, though you are probably most familiar with CDs, DVDs, and BluRay discs. Optical media is a great choice for music and video because it allows for a very large amount of data to be written, stored, and retrieved in a relatively small form.

                The optical disc was first invented in 1958, and was used for video recording. The first discs were larger and did not have anywhere near the same capacity as the discs we use today. As the technology continued to evolve, the capacity for optical discs increased at an exponential rate. Today, we have discs that have far surpassed the older disc capacity which ranged in the dozens of megabytes. Those antiquated discs were replaced by Ultra Density Optical discs, or UDO for short.

                UDO media is a vast improvement for a variety of reasons. They still offer the same great degree of affordability and reliability that popularized optical media in the first place, but UDO discs today are capable of storing in the area of sixty gigabytes. This is a tremendous improvement, and opened UDO up as a viable alternative for storing information. Bluray technology is able to store high-definition movies on one disc because of its ultra dense configuration. Additionally, optical media has become the standard in archiving applications such as bank and hospital records. Plasmon UDO, for instance, boasts archiving solutions which can sustain databases without redundant backups/rewrites for up to fifty years. 

Boost Your HP Desktop with New Parts

HP desktop computers are great machines. They’re highly versatile, powerful, and HP offers continuing support for all of their customers. While nearly all customers are satisfied with their HP’s performance, there’s always room for improvement. With a little bit of work, you can take your current HP and give it the boost it needs to become the perfect machine for your needs. Who wouldn’t want their computer to hold more, work faster, and be better? The advantage of a desktop computer means you can take your HP and add/upgrade parts as you need, taking your HP that extra mile.

Do You Download?

The internet has changed the way we interact with all variety of media. Books, music, movies, it doesn’t make a difference; if it can be expressed as data, chances are it exists on the internet in some form. If you do a lot of downloading, you’re going to be using up a lot of space on your hard drive. High quality music or movies take up a relatively large amount of space. Songs are usually a few megabytes large, but if you’re working on a music collection with a few thousand titles, all those megabytes add up. Movies are even larger, usually several gigabytes. This means that if you have ten movies stored on your computer, you’ve already used up at least fifty gigabytes of storage. This is approaching capacity on a lot of starter computers. If you’re an avid downloader, you’ll want to upgrade your hard drive. HP computers are compatible with a large number of drives, some which are available with several terabytes of memory.

Do You Game?

Personal computers are good for a lot of things, recreation included. If you’re a computer gamer, you know how frustrating playing on a slow computer can be. Even if you have a lightning-fast internet connection, playing a game with high system requirements on a simple computer results in a great deal of lag. If you’re interested in a better gaming experience, there are several solutions. Getting a new video-card can greatly help in improving your HP’s graphics quality. Your games will look sharper and flow smoother. An upgraded processor will increase your computer’s processing ability, allowing you to handle multiple apps at once. HP Desktops also have room to accommodate additional RAM, which is great for speeding up your computer’s performance.

Do You Multitask?

Some people like to listen to music, some chat online, and others like to download. Some people like to do everything at once. If you’re one of those people, nothing is more frustrating than waiting for your fourth application to load. If you want your HP to handle a heavier workload without breaking a sweat, consider a new processor. Your CPU handles all the work you tell your HP to do, and an upgraded processor means faster calculations.

Ready for Parts?

Getting HP desktop parts is easy. While you can buy new parts online or directly from HP, many sellers offer refurbished components, which cost much less but still perform well. Upgrading your HP computer is a simple way to get the most out of your technology. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying the perks of a high-end computer for a much lower cost.